Applying to Northwestern, need guidance

I'm really interested in Northwestern and I've heard they're pretty selective. I was wondering if any of you knew what I should focus on to give myself a better shot at getting in. What does their admission look like and what do they value in a student?

Northwestern University is indeed a highly competitive institution, and they will look for students who not only excel academically but have also demonstrated significant achievement and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Academically, Northwestern will take into account your high school transcript. The university looks for students who have pursued a rigorous curriculum in high school and have performed well. This includes taking AP or IB classes, if they are available at your school. That said, they do not review applications solely based on GPA and test scores—Northwestern uses a holistic review process to evaluate each applicant, assessing the full scope of a student's qualifications defined in academic and personal terms.

In regards to extracurriculars, Northwestern values students who have developed a "spike," or a highly-developed specialty. Since this shows that the student has proven to be successful in a particular field and is likely to continue that success, it makes them more attractive to the college. Ideally, your extracurriculars would fall within Tier 1 or 2 of the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars system. These tiers represent activities that show exceptional achievement or leadership at the national or international level (Tier 1) or state or regional level (Tier 2). While Tier 3 and 4 activities are still valuable, they're somewhat less distinctive.

Moreover, a polished and thoughtful personal statement and supplemental essays are key. Northwestern's supplemental essay prompts give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate how they align with the school's values and community, and why they're interested in attending Northwestern specifically. By showing fit and genuine interest in the institution, you will be distinguishing your application and demonstrating your potential contribution to the Northwestern community.

Finally, recommendation letters also play a major role in Northwestern's admissions process. They provide a first-hand account of your academic abilities and personal qualities from individuals who have worked closely with you in an academic and/or extracurricular setting. When selecting teachers for your recommendation letters, consider those that know you well and can speak to your strengths and areas of improvement.

Remember, every part of your application is an opportunity to tell your story. Use them wisely to showcase your strengths, your fit with Northwestern, and how you would contribute to their community. Each component should complement one another to give a cohesive and well-rounded portrait of you as a student and individual.